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Wild Blue Herons
This husband and wife team met through the Vancouver-based Marcus Mosely Chorale (MMC) working together as musical director (Bill) and choral director (Darlene). They found an instant connection in their musical styles, love of theory, complex chords, and groove. Bill and Darlene soon began to co-arrange and co-write many of the MMC tunes. Often, during choir meetings, Bill and Darlene would find their way to a piano or even grab a napkin and start writing a song idea. This led to writing other material – a combination of jazz, funk, and soul tunes. There is a synergy and spark in their co-writing. Many of the songs come from their own life experiences as well as mutual concern for equality, love, and compassion around the globe. In 2017, they formed Wild Blue Herons and added a number of stellar musicians to their band.
Wild Blue Herons have played in numerous festivals (the Filberg Festival, Ft. Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival) as well as various Jazz Clubs (Frankies Jazz Club; Pat’s Pub – Jazz at the Pat series, Vernon Jazz club, to name a few). They have been featured with such artists as Eric Bibb, Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Chorale (MMC), Shari Ulrich, and debuted their show “The Great Ladies of Jazz” at the historic Columbia Theatre in 2019.
In 2018, they released their first album, “On the Outside”, which they feel describes themselves-“in music and life, the ‘outside’ is where you are when you are different. Good things can happen there”.
Awards
For Bill Samples' awards, please visit Bills' musicians' page. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/bill-sample
Tags
"I had the great pleasure of getting to hear my dear friend and colleague Bill Sample and the band WBH a couple of months back- It was a treat from beginning to end-great vocals from Darlene - incredible musicianship from every one on stage and unique but very musical and thoughtful arrangements on every song!! The album doesn’t disappoint at all and a perfect reflection of who they are live - If you get a chance-please give them a listen - you will thank me"
David Foster
Oscar Peterson
pianoNancy Wilson
vocalsSteely Dan
band / ensemble / orchestraSnarky Puppy
band / ensemble / orchestraJacob Collier
vocalsMusic
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson